More commonly, children are suffering birth injuries that may affect the rest of his or her life. Oftentimes, these injuries will result in significant long-term care needs, which may be costly. Usually, the average family is unable to cover the cost of long-term care needs for their child. For this reason, it is important to remember that birth-related injuries might give rise to a claim of action for medical malpractice, which can allow a person to recover compensation for long-term care needs. Having a child with a birth-related injury can be stressful, however, speaking with an experienced medical malpractice and personal injury attorney may help ease future hardships.
One of the more common birth-related injuries is a fetal stroke, which occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain. A fetal stroke occurs between 14 gestational weeks to the time a baby is delivered. Oftentimes, a baby that has a fetal stoke will have permanent brain damage. The brain damage can range in severity from a minor cognitive impairment to cerebral palsy. The two types of fetal strokes are as follows:
- Hemorrhagic: Trauma to blood vessels in the brain; and
- Ischemic: Brain arteries are obstructed by blood clots.
In New York State, clinicians have a duty to a patient to provide adequate and competent care. While there are a number of reasons that a fetal stroke may occur, it commonly happens as a result of medical negligence. Here, a physician often fails to administer care in accordance with reasonably accepted standards and, as a result, the patient suffers injuries. In terms of birth-related injuries, this often occurs during the birthing process from trauma and pressure to a baby’s nerves in their head or face. Sometimes, the use of forceps or a vacuum may exacerbate these injuries.
Due to the high cost of caring for a child with neurologic problems, a person may recover expenses for the following:
- Current medical care;
- Future care expenses;
- Rehabilitation expenses;
- Lost wages; and
- Pain and suffering; among others.
If you or someone you love has sustained a birth-related injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking the guidance of an experienced Long Island birth injury attorney may be crucial in protecting you or your loved one’s rights. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Central Islip medical malpractice and personal injury lawyers at McGuire, Peleáz & Bennett P.C. (631) 348-1702 or fill out our contact form.
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